Egypt director warns Salah against MLS move, urges Europe or Saudi Arabia
Quick summary
Egypt's national team director Ibrahim Hassan has warned Mohamed Salah that moving to MLS would diminish his legacy, urging him to consider Saudi Arabia or Europe instead as he prepares to leave Liverpool.
What happened
With Mohamed Salah set to leave Liverpool at the end of the 2025-26 season after nine years, Egypt's national team director Ibrahim Hassan has publicly cautioned him against joining Major League Soccer. Hassan argues that an MLS move would result in diminished global recognition, comparing it unfavorably to how Messi's legacy is remembered. Instead, Hassan recommends Salah consider top clubs in Europe or the Saudi Pro League to maintain his status and visibility. MLS Commissioner Don Garber has expressed interest in signing Salah, though no concrete offers have materialized from any teams.
Chance analysis
This advisory reflects broader perceptions about MLS's competitive standing and marketability compared to Europe's top leagues and emerging Saudi investments. For Salah at 33, destination choice significantly impacts his commercial value, sponsorship appeal, and legacy narrative. Hassan's intervention suggests Egypt's stakeholders view the move as reputationally risky for both player and federation profile. The guidance toward Europe or Saudi Arabia indicates those markets are seen as better platforms for maintaining elite status.
Salah's transfer destination remains uncertain but is now publicly discouraged from MLS; a European or Saudi move would better preserve his commercial value and global relevance.
Salah's eventual destination will materially affect transfer market valuations, player availability for Egypt matches, and competitive balance in his chosen league.